Los Tacos No. 1

To be entirely honest, I’m not a huge fan of the Meatpacking District. Here’s the idea of it: 1) Put a bunch of people that are just a little too attractive in one place. 2) Get them to spend exorbitant amounts of money on clothes that they really could have just gotten from their grandmother’s attic. 3) Try to convince them they live in a safer version of Bushwick. I guess what I’m trying to say is you just can’t recreate the character, or the “grunge,” that comes from hundreds of years of history. I digress.

What I’m trying to say is that I don’t come to the Meatpacking District often. But when I do, I come to Los Tacos 1.

Here’s why:

I’m not a huge fan of the taco scene here in New York. It’s just, well… How do I put this? Bad. However, there are a few gems I have discovered over my few years in this city. Let’s start with this one.

Los Tacos No. 1. It’s in the smack middle of Chelsea Market, and it’s in the smack middle of my Mexican-food-loving-heart. Does a line of people daunt you? It shouldn’t (unless you’re in Times Square… But why would you be there?). Lines mean good food, and this line moves pretty quickly.

This place was started by three close friends from Tijuana, Mexico, and California. Do you need me to assure you it’s the real deal?

No? Well, I still want to talk about food anyway.

Adobado (Marinated Pork) Taco ($3.75)

This is that little guy on the right. I can confidently say this is the best taco I’ve digested in New York City. If you happen to look beyond the taco bar, you will see a giant hunk of meat, roasting its way to perfection, right before your eyes. This is the very meat that sits on this taco, along with some pineapple slices, salsa, and oregano on top.

Carne Asada (Grilled Steak) Taco ($3.75)

Not quite as miraculous as the pork, but noteworthy nonetheless. Grilled steak topped with avocado sauce and cilantro. The flavors are smooth, and not as dramatic as the pork. If you enjoy the finer, simple things in life, this taco is your soulmate.

Here’s the deal. Place your order, then scoop around to the back of the taco bar. Hand this taco magician your receipt, and he will hook you up. Both the corn and flour tortillas are made in-house, so go crazy.

Once he finishes your order, grab some radishes, maybe some dried chili peppers??, some salsa, and of course limes (duh).